boffin
UK /ˈbɒfɪn/ · US /ˈbɑfɪn/ noun
Forms boffins
- noun (Australia, New Zealand, UK, Ireland, informal) An engineer or scientist, especially one engaged in technological or military research.
- noun (Australia, New Zealand, UK, Ireland, informal, by extension) A person with specialized knowledge or skills, especially one who is socially awkward.
- noun (loosely) an intellectual; a smart person.
Synonyms
backroom boy brain brainiac egghead bright spark geek nerd Poindexter propeller head shrewd article smart cookie supernerd whiz
Etymology
Origin unknown; a number of possible etymologies have been suggested, but no conclusive evidence exists.
One strong theory conjectures a connection from the "Mr. Boffins" of English novels, such as in Dickens' Our Mutual Friend.
Sources: Wiktionary — from the Wiktionary entry “boffin”, CC BY-SA 4.0. Details